Onevisayasenewslettervol6issue26 20160701 r6

Vol 6

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Pag-IBIG Fund Molo Branch Marketing Specialist Mark Ken Carmelita reminds private and government employers with at least ten employees to start paying their remittances online using the Electronic Payment and Collection Facility platform of the agency in an interview at Radyo ng Bayan Iloilo for the PIA Kapihan Regionwide program anchored by Lilibeth Aguilar French.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

June 27 - July 3, 2016

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 26

President Duterte issues first marching orders to Cabinet

By Lilibeth A. French Iloilo City, June 30 (PIA6) - - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the country‘s 16th President, made his policies I clear in ensuring efficiency and transparency in government transactions and accountability of public officials.

Duterte‘s first marching order to his department secretaries and heads of agencies was to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to the release. ―I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all‖, said President Duterte in his inaugural message.

He likewise directed all his cabinet officials and heads of agencies to refrain from changing and bending the rules on government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation. ―I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all government contracts, projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally, to consummation,‖ Duterte said.

He further warned his cabinet officials ―Do them and we will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later‖.

These are the policies which President Duterte specifically mentioned in his speech anchored on the quotations of two Presidents of the United States of America.

The first quotation was that of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: ―The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is

whether we provide for those who have little‖.

From Abraham Lincoln: ―You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men.‖ Duterte was sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace attended by his family and more than 600 guests.

He was the second President to take his oath at the Rizal Hall after former President Ferdinand Marcos. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo).

(Screenshot courtesy of RTVM live streaming)

Guv reminds fellow officials to uphold public trust Consuelo B. Alarcon

BSP-Cebu Regional Director Atty. Dess Sumbi talked about the Clean Note Policy, the commemorative coins, and a quick advisory against text scams during the first activity conducted by PIA Cebu under the Duterte Administration with a ‪#‪iBLOGforBSP Bloggers Forum at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Cebu.

(PIA 7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 28 (PIA) ---The elected officials of the Province of Leyte took their oath of office Sunday at the Leyte Academic Center Gym, Pawing Palo Leyte.

Court of Appeals Associate Justice Edgardo Delos Santos administered the oath of Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla while regional trial court judges took turn in inducting into office the mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and members of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan of Leyte.

As he congratulated everyone for the victory last election, Governor Petilla, in his inaugural speech reminded them of the public trust bestowed upon them by the people who choose them to be elected again into office.

He likewise emphasized the importance of setting aside politics instead be united to achieve prosperity and development in the province. ―It is in unity that we will succeed and it is in unity that we will move forward,‖ the governor said.

Petilla also promised to sustain the programs he started in his first term particularly on the aspect of economy, agriculture, infrastracture, education, social services and other priority programs for the good of all his constituents and the province.

Petilla was flanked by his family, his wife Sharon and his parents-former governor Leopoldo Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla and brother former Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. (/PIA-8)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

EU First Counsellor and Head Development Cooperation Achim Tillesen and UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra led on Wednesday, June 29, the turnover ceremony of EU-funded housing units to the local government unit of Ormoc City. (Photos

by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8) ‪#‪pia8

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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PCARI scholarships to US have 200 available slots Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, June 30 (PIA) – Two hundred slots are available nationwide for eligible applicants to the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Scholarship Project with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the government implementing agency.

The PCARI Project is a capacity-building, technology-generating collaborative initiative designed to upgrade to global standards the research, development and innovation capabilities and competencies of the faculty, students and staff of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The project is a new approach to enhance the skills and expertise of faculty, students, and staff of Philippine universities through scholarships, trainings, and research partnerships with top-notch research universities in California, USA initially with the University of California San Francisco and the University of California Berkeley in the priority areas of Information Infrastructure Development and Health Innovation and Translational Medicine.

This year, the PCARI is set to conduct a nationwide series of roadshows in selected Philippine HEIs in order to

attract scholarship applicants from all over the country for its 200 scholarship slots.

General qualifications are: Filipino citizen, not over 45 years of age, degree in relevant disciplines and research proposal aligned with PCARI priority areas.

The objective of this Project is to develop the critical mass of scientists, technologists and innovators in Philippine HEIs capable of generating and translating technologies into innovations that will address societal problems.

Scholars under this project will have an opportunity to interact with the elite researchers of the University of California and will be part of the top talents in the country who are active in fundamental and applied research relevant to the country‘s socio-economic development and the long-term competitiveness of the Philippines, according to the project website.

Chosen scholars will enjoy a number of privileges including tuition and other school fees, transportation allowance, stipend, book allowance, travel and medical insurance, and thesis or special project grant. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Drilon confident of continued development in Iloilo

Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA6) --- Outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon is confident that the new administration under President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be supportive of the economic developments in the city and province of Iloilo.

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nder the Aquino administration, Iloilo‘s progress has been remarkable and has caught the attention of the rest of the country.

Even the reputable Channel News Asia of Singapore featured the accomplishments of Iloilo in its program ―Money Mind‖ last month. ―I am hopeful and confident that we will be able to transcend different political affiliations for the greater

good of the city and province of Iloilo,‖ Drilon said.

For 2016, a total of P12.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects have been allocated for Western Visayas covering 614 projects that include roads and bridges among the five provinces in the region. ―Iloilo has the biggest share with P3 billion worth of infrastructure projects,‖ he said.

Drilon also said that foreign investors and businessmen expressed interest in establishing economic zones in Iloilo. ―Iloilo has potential for agro-economic activity with the construction of the P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project,‖ he said.

He added that there is also a need to develop and expand the Dumangas Port to further boost our trading in the province.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

7 Aklan farmers' groups to get mechanized equipment

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 29 (PIA6) -- Seven (7) farm associations from various towns in Aklan are set to acquire facility equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 6 for the implementation of the Rice Mechanization Program.

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he acquisition of farm equipment – 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor, 3 units hand tractor and 3 units floating tillers was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered into by DA RFU 6 and Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, and with with farmers associations.

The authority for the province to enter into a MOA was provided by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) through a resolution upon the request of the Provincial Governor.

The total bidded amount of the farm equipment reached P1,365,100.00 while the total Provincial Local Government Unit Counterpart (PLGU) of 15% each per equipment reached P204,765.00.

The 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor will be received by the Agbago Farmers Organizations of Ibajay, Aklan while the Muguing Farmers Association of Banga, Naile Small Farmers Association of Ibajay and Dongon West Farmers Association of Numancia will each get 1 unit hand tractor.

On the other hand, the PUJAMA Irrigators Association of New Washington, the Laguinbanwa West Farmers Association of Numancia and the Sibalew Farmers Association will each get 1 unit floating tiller.

It was also stipulated in the SP resolution that the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) should implement serious monitoring of the utilization, maintenance and impact of the use of the farm implements. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Technology transfer on seaweeds culture for Antique fisher folks up

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, June 29 (PIA6) - - The importance of seaweeds culture is one of the many highlights of the Technology Caravan and Fisher folks Dialogue which the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Antique Provincial Fishery Office is set to conduct in the two Barangays of Culasi, Antique.

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FAR Antique OIC Provincial Fishery Officer Erwin I. Ilaya said the activity will be conducted on July 4 to 5, 2016 in Barangay Batbatan and Mararison w i t h v a r i o u s g o v e rn m e n t a n d non-government agencies participating in the activity. ―The technology caravan and fisherfolks dialogue is part of the government‘s initiative to bring government agencies including their services closer to the people,‖ Ilaya said.

The activity aims to disseminate technical information about BFAR services, and to identify issues and problems related to fisheries and provide some inputs and assistance to the poor fisherfolks in the area.

The discussion on seaweeds culture is expected to gain interest of the fisherfolks as it will help boost their livelihood activity and income.

Aside from the presentation of technology transfer of seaweeds culture, the BFAR will also discuss the importance

of fisheries post-harvest and Commercial Fishing Vessel licensing and registrations including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The BFAR Antique Provincial Fishery Officer expects that the technology caravan will help increase the knowledge of the fisherfolks on the various interventions of the government on the fishery sector, and at the same time increase awareness on the protection and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Urine color indicates health of kidneys Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

By Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, June 30 (PIA6) – The color of a person’s urine is one of the indicators in knowing the health of one’s kidneys, according to the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI).

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ational Program Manager Dr. Susan Jorge of NKTI‘s Renal Disease Control Program (Redcop), said that a person's urine has a variety of colors which can help determine if one already needs to consult a doctor. ―May ara sang variation, nga daw kita mo ang tsaa nga brownish red. May deperensya na imo kidney,‖ (There is a variation in color where you can see that your urine is brownish-red. It means you have kidney problems), Jorge said in dialect during a radio interview here with DYRL‘s Edgar Lucasan.

Likewise, excessive bubble formation

produced after urinating is also a sign of unhealthy kidneys, Jorge said. ―Ina pa guid bala kung damu bubbles sang imo ihi, magpatan-aw ka na sang imo ihi para mas temprano, mas dali siya bulongon,‖(When there is excessive bubbles in your urine, you should have it checked so that can be addressed early) she said.

Meanwhile, urine that is pale-yellow in color indicates that your kidneys are properly taken care of and are healthy, she added.

However, Jorge said that yellowish-colored urine means the lack of water intake.

Jorge said people must have their kidneys checked once a year through urinalysis.

June is observed as the National Kidney Month, and NKTI-Redcop, together with the Philippine Information Agency – Negros Occidental, conducted a three-day renal disease prevention campaign here.

Free urinalysis, blood sugar test, and blood pressure checking were held at the Negros Occidental Multi-purpose Activity Center and at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital as part of the campaign. (JCM/CBA/ PIA6-Negros Occidental)

Bucari eyed as 'garden for biodiversity'

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) — Bucari, dubbed the ―little Baguio‖ located in the town of Leon, Iloilo, has been identified one of the sites for the establishment of an arboretum, or a garden for biodiversity, with an area of 2.8 hectares.

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources here said that the establishment of arboretum sites is aimed at combating biodiversity loss. ―It is also a strategy for climate change adaptation and mitigation,‖ DENR Regional Director Ji, Sampulna said.

He added that an arboretum in each province will help hasten the restoration of original forest vegetation.

―At least 50 species of native trees and people‘s aaawareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation,‖ Sampulna said.

Aside from planting indigenous tree species in each arboretum area, there will also be Bambusetum or different species of bamboo, Palmetum or different varieties of palm, Herbarium or collection of different varieties of herbs and Orchidarium or variety of orchids. An infrastructure component is also part of

the project to complement the tourism potentials of the local government units.

This includes the improvement or establishment of road network, provision of solar panels to ensure a sustained source of renewable power supply, and a gazebo.

Meanwhile in the province of Gumaras, the proposed arboretum site is within the National Greening Program site in Barangay Tanglad, Sibunag with an area of 27.0 hectares. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Capiz’ 4Ps get P448M in 2015

By Alex Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 30 (PIA6) – An accumulated amount of P448,027,500.00 was disbursed to the province of Capiz in 2015 for the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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ased on the records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the amount was allocated on a quarterly basis for the beneficiaries in Roxas City and 16 towns.

The province is 100 percent covered by the program.

Capiz has 38,325 active beneficiaries as of March 18 this year according to DSWD – Pantawid Capiz Provincial Operations Office Grievance Officer Joanne M. Gequilasao – Dediles

during a recent media interaction After eight years of implementation, since its inception in 2008, the CCT has expanded to cover 41,519 barangays in 144 cities and 1,483 municipalities in 80 provinces nationwide.

One great accomplishment of the CCT program is that it helped families send children to school.

In 2015, 863,046 elementary and 333,673 high school students were 4Ps beneficiaries, according to a review of accomplishments on Human Development

and Poverty Reduction of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III‘s administration.

The pro-poor initiative also intends to improve preventive health care assistance among pregnant women and children, reduce incidence of child labor, raise the average consumption rate in food expenditure of poor households and encourage parents to invest in their children‘s human capital through investments in health and nutrition, education and participation in community activities. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Environmental groups submit petition vs geothermal expansion Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

Jennifer C. Tilos

VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, June 29 (PIA) – Environmental groups in Negros Oriental handed over a copy of more than 3,000 petition signatures to Mayor Edgar Teves to stop Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) 60 megawatt geothermal expansion project at Cuernos de Negros or Mt. Talinis. ccording to 350 Pilipinas coordinator EDC is waiting for an Environmental distributed in at least six sites within EDC's Zephan ie Rep o l lo , the may or Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its proposed existing geothermal fields and power plants. showed support to the groups and development block which covers additional The groups have clamored for full committed to ensure transparency of the 60MW. transparency of EDC‘s proposed development project.

However, in a recent media briefing, block and demanded that there will be no With this, the Office of the Mayor will Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit more expansion at Cuernos de Negros. likewise arrange a dialogue among the (NIGBU) Senior Manager Engr. Vicente Forest Management Bureau Director complainants, officials from the Department of Omandam of EDC explained that this latest Ricardo Calderon of DENR recently Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expansion will utilize approximately 30 clarified that EDC has not yet applied and EDC. hectares within the ―development block‖ of for a tenure for a particular area which needs This dialogue aims to bring answers to the EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Field clearance from a local government and questions raised by the different environmental in Valencia and not at Mt. Talinis as claimed by endorsement from concerned agencies groups regarding EDC‘s alleged non-disclosure the environmental groups. before a project will push through. (rmn/jct/ of its development plans, said Repollo.

Omandam said the expansion will be PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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2 Bohol irrigation associations among country’s best Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 29 (NIA) --Two Bohol irrigation associations again brought glory for Bohol in the recently concluded search for the Most Outstanding Irrigators’ Associations which National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducts annually through its Institutional Development Division. he San D Mil Irrigators‘ Association from NIA. Meanwhile, a total of P221 million has (IA) in Dagohoy town and the Rounding the top three in the NIS been allotted by the government for Bohol Kawasan-Cayacay IA in Alicia claimed Category are Ligaya IA of MARIIS with a rating under the Department of Social Welfare and their spots in the national limelight during the of 99.97 percent, LOWTIPTAM IA from Development's (DSWD) livelihood support for celebration of the 53rd Anniversary of the NIA Region 9 with 99.98 percent, and San Isidro IA the underprivileged. Of the total, P4.8-M is on June 22, 2016 at the National Irrigation of Region 11 with a 100.00 percent rating. available for each town here.

Administration Central Office, Diliman, The search for Most Outstanding IAs is an The program, called Sustainable Livelihood Quezon City. annual NIA undertaking to give recognition to Program (SLP), is a micro-enterprise Nominated for the National Irrigation the IAs in NIS, CIS and CARP categories which development and employment facilitation that System (NIS) Category, San D Mil IA garnered show an excellent performance in operation aims to provide sufficient and sustainable a rating of 99.50% bagging 4th place. and maintenance of irrigation facilities, financial source of income for the poor for them to get On top of the Plaque of Recognition, San performance and viability index and the opportunities and feel the inclusive growth and D Mil IA through its President Tereso Cruda initiative to uplift the status of their respective recover from poverty. (rmn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol/ also received a check amounting Php 30,000 associations through various programs.

Tony Alonzo/NIA)

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Be careful when taking herbal supplements, doctors warn Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Health experts in Negros Oriental are reminding the public to be careful in taking herbal supplements because this may bring negative effects to the kidneys.

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peaking in Kapihan sa PIA forum on renal health care today, Dr. Kenneth Coo, a nephrologist of Holy Child Hospital, noted that the primary function of the kidney is to filter wastes from the blood.

When a person drinks herbal capsules, its particles enter the blood and the kidneys will have to filter that.

The risk comes in if the kidneys are already weak and it gets overworked because it have to filter waste residues coming from the herbal supplement that got mixed with the blood. ―Your kidneys deteriorate easily if it gets overworked,‖ Dr. Coo said.

He advises the public to regulate their intake of herbal supplements and not to get enticed by commercials that feature people claiming that these products have cured them

from their ailments. ―The term ‗Maayo ko‘ is cure. The way we say it in Bisaya is ‗Naayo ko.‘ That‘s cure, that‘s medicine. It‘s not supplement.

Supplement and medicine are two different things,‖ he added.

However, he clarified that nephrologists are not totally against the idea of taking herbal supplements, saying that they have a neutral stand on the issue. ―On our part as kidney specialists, we do not tell you herbal medicines are bad for the kidneys but we cannot tell you that herbal medicines are good for your kidneys,‖ he pointed out.

Dr. Coo advises that herbal capsules can still be taken if creatinine level is normal but if it shoots up then it is the time to go to the doctor and have a check-up.

On the other hand, he also cautioned kidney patients in taking pain relievers because some pain relievers, like all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are not good for people with kidney problems.

Meanwhile, Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) Focal Person Judith Vailoces also underscored that part of keeping kidneys healthy is avoiding the intake of herbal supplements and other medicines that can harm the kidneys.

Vailoces disclosed that some of these can leave a negative side effect to the human kidney.

She noted people should be more careful since some food products like coffee are mixed with some herbal components. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

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CSC opens new test center in Bogo City Juju M. Empuerto

CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is opening a new test center in Bogo City for the Career Service Examination Paper and Pen Test (CSE-PPT) professional and sub-professional levels on October 23, 2016.

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his is in addition to the test centers in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, and Tagbilaran City, said CSC-7 Chief of the Examination Services Division Dixie Gonzales.

According to Gonzales, applicants who are interested to take the CSE-PPT exam and are residing near the northern part of Cebu may now have an easier access when taking the exam in Bogo City.

Application filing for the exam will also be accessible and convenient since CSC personnel

will conduct an offsite processing in Bogo, she added.

The schedule for the offsite processing of CSE-PPT exam application forms will only be during office hours or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following dates and places: August 12 in Borbon, Cebu; August 18 in Medellin and Daanbantayan, Cebu; August 19 in Bantayan, Cebu; and August 30, 31 and September 1 in Bogo City.

Application for the CSE-PPT examination is ongoing at the CSC regional and field offices until September 1, 2016.

However, acceptance of applications may be closed earlier than the deadline date of September 1, 2016 as soon as available testing rooms will be filled-up by examinee-applicants, the civil service official said.

The application forms are available at said offices or may be downloaded at www.csc.gov.ph.

For more information and details, please call CSC Regional Office-7 at Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City at telephone numbers 2539050, 4147676, 4147488. (rmn/jsme/ PIA7-Cebu)

Over 60T CV households no longer poor – DSWD Ferliza C. Contratsta CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) – The Listahanan database show that over 60,000 households in Central Visayas are no longer identified as poor.

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his was revealed in the recent launching of the 2015 Listahanan Database of Poor in Central Visayas attended by officials and representatives of different local government units and national government agencies here.

Dr. Dennis Mapa, dean of the University of the Philippines School of Statistics, said there are now more than 61,000 households who were included in the first survey in 2009 but are no longer included in the list of identified poor in 2015.

Mapa, who has been the consultant at the start of Listahanan, said there were over 800,000 households who were surveyed in 2009 and 314,000 plus were identified as poor in 2009. This figure still includes the province of Negros Oriental.

In the recent Listahanan, however, Mapa noted an increase in the number of identified

poor at 385,534 out of 843,275, which now excludes figures from Negros Oriental.

He explained there are four reasons behind the increase of households based on the Family Assessment Form (FAS).

This can be due to the expanded coverage of assessed households, increase in the population since 2009, shocks experienced by the households, and the use of a survey instrument which is more biased to the poor. ―The shocks experienced include the calamities experienced by the households including earthquake and typhoon Yolanda,‖ Mapa said.

The instrument used is Proxy Means Tests (PMT) which has only a 6.9 error rate compared with the 20 percent error in 2009.

Grace Subong, Listahanan deputy regional manager, said there were eight characteristics

asked in indicating a poor household in the four-page FAS. Rosa Hubahib, representing National Economic and Development Administration ( N E D A ) R e g ion a l D ir e c t or E f r e n Carreon, said the Listahanan is accurate and essential in the coming up of evidence based decision.

The PMT methodology, she said, is more convincing and has lesser occurrence of errors. ―This will be a strong basis for stakeholders in the crafting of plans directly to target beneficiaries,‖ Hubahib said.

Listahanan used to be called as the National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.

It is a database to be used for targeting of beneficiaries of social programs. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)

RDC prepares for members' reorg in CV Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, 24 June (PIA) -- With newly-elected public officials set to assume office on June 30, the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) is preparing to reorganize its membership. ajor parts of the reorganization PSRs, their oath-taking and assumption of line agencies; and, nomination to the President, is the assumption of these newly duties. the names of prospective candidates for RDC -elected Local Chief Executives as The schedule of the reorganization chairperson and co-chairperson from among RDC members, and the selection of process is as follows: ex-officio LGU and PSR members.

RDC- Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) a) June 2016 - Qualification of The PSR Selection Guidelines for the July for the new term.

Nominating Private Sector Organizations 2016-June 2019 term can be downloaded RDC full council approved the PSR (PSOs) from www.rdc7.net.ph. National Economic Selection Guidelines for the July 2016 to June b) July 2016 - Nomination by these PSOs Development Authority (NEDA-7), as RDC 2019 term during its meeting on June 15 in of their Nominees for PSRs Secretariat, will be conducting an orientation Tagbilaran City. c) August 2016- Selection of RDC-Private on the Guidelines for the Qualified Nominating The guidelines includes, among others, the Sector Representatives in each Province thru a PSOs of Bohol and Cebu on June 28, 1:30 qualifications of PSRs, the priority sectors to PSR Convention to 3:30 pm at NEDA7 office in Cebu City. be represented, nomination procedures and d) September 2016 RDC Full Council The orientation for the Qualified selection process, and schedule of activities Meeting – Confirmation of RDC-PSRs by Nominating PSOs of Siquijor is scheduled on leading to the confirmation of newly selected ex-officio members from LGUs and regional the first week of July. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/NEDA-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

UP Heritage Center explains meaning of fiestas Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

Del Servande

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 28 (PIA) - The UP Leyte Samar Heritage Center conducted a forum on cultural and heritage last June24, 2016 at the UP Tacloban Library hall.

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rofessor Joyce Dorado Alegre, Director of Leyte Samar Heritage Center imparted her knowledge on the significance of celebrating fiestas by identifying the history, culture and pride of the Filipino heritage, the Taclobanons in particular.

The forum primarily enlightened the participants on the meaning of the Sto. Nino Fiesta Celebration, as spiritual tradition of the people, rituals and feast activities such as parade, cultural entertainment shows and

festivals.

Alegre said that aside from the foods, entertainment, the Fiesta is an event that is celebrated for a significant historical, social, cultural and religious occasion, like what the people of Tacloban and parts of Leyte are celebrating , the feast of Sto. Nino.

Likewise, Rev. Father Gilber Urbina and Rev. Father Alvin Nicolasora, comprehensively talked on the history, ―the phenomenal religious devotion to the Sto Nino de Leyte: the mystery, miracle and practice of

Faith‖.

He also said that, the ―reflection of Faith through the iconic beauty of the Sto Nino image‖, is most observed by the His followers.

The forum was attended by seminarians, church deacons, students of four different High Schools in Tacloban City, media TV/Radio outlets, DOT representative and priests as speakers of forum.

The City of Tacloban will be celebrating the Feast of the icon Sto. Nino de Leyte come June 30, 2016.(Del Servande)

Re-elected Guv to continue high impact projects Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 28 (PIA) — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan as she earned a fresh mandate, vowed to continue her projects on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

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aining her final term, Tan also mentioned drawing investors to the capital city of Samar, Catbalogan.

She takes pride in the rehab works her administration did for Samar Provincial Hospital and Calbayog District Hospital.

The young governor who was sworn-in with mother Representative Milagrosa Tan added that she is happy that incoming Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Pinol has given priority to the country‘s 10 poorest provinces, Samar included.

Tan said that the department will help

Samar in irrigation projects to boost rice production.

Agriculture RD Leo Caneda was among the guests in the oath-taking ceremonies.

As to the Bottom up Budgetting (BUB) projects, Tan said that the provincial government will work with the municipal local governments for the BUB projects to push through. BUB projects in some municipalities were not implemented as they did not have the seal of good housekeeping.

She praised the Department of Tourism (DOT) for realizing her tourism plans for

Samar.

The governor said that the road network she is pursuing for Samar will help in the issue of insurgency and peace and order.

She acknowledged the support of the security forces, the army and the police in making Samar more peaceful these days.

She vowed to continue her other projects which she said has helped many young Samarnons like her scholarship program.

Tan has gained a final term as governor amidst challenges in her leadership. (nbq/ PIA8-Samar)

ESamar holds successful NSED drill Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 29 (PIA) ---- At exactly 09:00 A.M. of June 22, 2016, the sound of a fire truck’s siren had been heard at Lalawigan National High School (LNHS) as the pilot area of Eastern Samar— signaling the start of the 2nd National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.

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he students and teachers of LNHS had done the ―duck, cover, and hold‖ technique and after a few seconds, the command center of school had called up the government agencies and rescue units involved in order to ask for help.

Next scenario had been the quick exit of the students to flee towards the assigned evacuation site — a mountain in Brgy. Cabong — in order for them to escape an expected tsunami as responders had started to arrive.

The Eastern Samar Provincial Research and Rescue Team (ESPRRT) and Borongan City Research and Rescue Team (BCRRT) — bringing in ambulance and fire truck — had cooperated with the Borongan City Health Unit (BCHU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to respond to wounded victims as well as to conduct a medical service and rescue.

According to LNHS Principal Mr. Jessie Abunda, responding to the aftermath of the earthquake had been quick due to the

participation of the different government agencies and the students. He had said that they had taken the activity seriously since its primary purpose is in order for the students and the teachers to be prepared in case a strong earthquake strikes the province.

He had further said that it is written in their school implementation plan in case an earthquake strikes the Borongan City.

"LNHS is not far from the sea as the province is facing the Pacific Ocean as well.

Hence, an activity such as this should be taken seriously due to the possibility of a tsunami.

Five to seven minutes after a strong earthquake, a tsunami is likely to occur afterwards. That‘s why a quick flee towards an elevated area is important", he added.

Abunda further said that, he can assess that the earthquake drill had been a success due to the cooperation of different agencies.

Same is true with the assessment of Department of Interior and Local Government -Eastern Samar Disaster Preparedness Focal

Person Mrs. Jemma May Lobrio. According to her, the partnership of various agencies had been strong that‘s why the results of this year‘s earthquake drill had been positive compared to the 1st Nationwide Earthquake Drill.

According to Eastern Samar Assistant Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (APDRRMO), Mr. Levi Nicart, a series of earthquake drills is still to be expected in Eastern Samar and he had assured that the weaknesses and suggestions pointed out in in the drill will be taken with a proper action — especially the construction on an evacuation site in Brgy. Cabong.

In line with this, Borongan City DRRM Officer Engr. Jaime Voces had disclosed that Borongan City Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda had a positive feedback on the activity.

Meanwhile, the members of the Technical Working Group rated the earthquake drill with a 9 in a scale of 1-10. Various towns of the province had conducted the earthquake drill as well. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

7

SoLeyte celebrates 56th Anniversary with Agri-fair, garden show Rebecca Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – As the province of Southern Leyte will celebrate its 56th Founding Anniversary come July 1st, an Agri Fair and Garden Show will highlight the week-long celebration that kicked-off Monday, June 27.

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he agricultural fair which showcased different veggies, fruits produced throughout the province, including flowers and plants of different kinds, hand-made products, locally produced "kakanins', among other food products, opened Monday with Governor-elect Damian G. Mercado and Vice -Governor-elect Chrisopherson Yap as the guests who conducted the ribbon-cutting.

In his message, Mercado vowed to continue the priority programs started by his brother, Congressman-elect Roger G. Mercado, such as education, health and agriculture, and infrastructure development programs to follow.

He said that ―since Southern Leyte is an agricultural rich province, I am urging the farmers to come and visit me in my office to lay your plans for the development of our agriculture. Let us unite for the good of the province and for you (farmers) to live with your abundant supply.‖ Mercado mentioned cacao and coffee as a good harvest since it will grow faster for only three years, not to include coconut as the main product supply of the province. ―Definitely, Southern Leyte will become a supplier of cacao and coffee.‖ He told that top suppliers of cacao in Africa cannot anymore supply the demands worldwide because of some problems, he said.

This year‘s theme is dubbed as, ―Ipadayon ang Panaghiusa alang sa Kalambuan sa Probinsya.‖ Meanwhile, Yap, a neophyte at the provincial level informed the farmers that he is willing to support all the endeavors of the provincial leaders and asked the farmers to approach him anytime because ―we can do a lot of things since I am also into farming,‖ he added.

The agri fair spearheaded by the Office of Provincial Agriculture is supported by at least 17 municipalities and 1 city of the province, among other non-government organizations and national line agencies who also displayed their own products. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

ESamar newly-elected provincial officials take oath Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) --- The newly-elected officials of the Province of Eastern Samar took their oath of office, June 30 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby, this city.

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he oath-taking ceremony started with a mass at 8:00 A.M., presided by Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez — Bishop of the Diocese of Borongan — as the main celebrant.

Borongan City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2) Hon. Judge Nathaniel E. Baldono administered the oath of office of the newly-elected officials of Eastern Samar.

The newly-elected provincial officials are

the following: Hon. Governor Conrado ―Aklan‖ B. Nicart, Jr.; Hon. Vice-Governor Marcelo Ferdinand A. Picardal; 1st District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Celestino A. Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana, Hon. Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez, and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito; and 2nd District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Jonas B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B. Cabacaba, Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon. Maricar Sison Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S. Ty.

After their oath of office, the newly-elected Governor and Vice-Governor delivered their inaugural messages while the newly-elected SP Members delivered their words of thanks to the people of Eastern Samar for the trust and confidence given to them.

A t h an k sg iv in g p ar t y a t t he E a s t er n S a m a r P r ov in c ia l C a p it ol Gymnasium in the evening followed. (SDC - PIA/E. Samar)

GSIS-Maasin holds dialogue with members Rebecca Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – Around 40 Public Sector Union members participated the consultative meeting conducted by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)– Maasin Branch, June 28, 2016.

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he dialogue was aimed to get feedbacks, among other issues and concerns from its members to develop policies that are just exact for the needs of its members, GSIS Board of Trustee Prof. Mario J. Aguja said, telling the participants that, ―starting May up to June, GSIS is conducting dialogues to get issues and concerns then consolidate them and report it to the board of trustees for action.‖ He informed that the reason for paying or contributing to GSIS is to invest our money so that when your contingency comes such as retirement from government service, GSIS will be there to help, to provide the members‘ needed benefits.

Aguja added saying, that ―GSIS will take

care of you for the rest of your life because even if you expire, your spouse/beneficiary will continue to receive monthly pension.‖ It was learned that a total of 9% will be deducted from the member as personal share, and 12% from the governments‘ share. 2% of it for the life insurance and 7% for retirement premium and another 2% for life insurance and 10% for retirement premium, respectively.

A g u ja fu rt he r h ig h ligh te d th e accomplishments within 6 years of the Aquino administration where the reduction in volumes of unreconciled or unposted payments decreased from P30-Billion to P2.5-Billion from 2010-2015, respectively. He reported that the posting efficiency was improved, from 83.5% in 2010 compared to 96% for the year 2015.

Among other topics expounded included the members‘ claims and benefits, life insurance benefits, financial performance, GSIs total assets from property and investments, collections efficiency, death benefits, employees compensation, among the few.

Under the new GSIS, members are the focus without compromising GSIS abilities, Aguja informed. ―GSIS has total assets of P989.028-B for the 1st quarter of 2016 and at the end of March 2016 GSIS reached P1.03-T in total assets,‘ he added.

GSIS-Maasin Branch include the whole province of Southern Leyte and some Leyte municipalities including Matalom, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan and the city of Baybay. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com